ACLS builds on the foundation of lifesaving basic life support (BLS) skills, emphasizing the importance of continuous, high-quality CPR. This advanced course highlights the importance of high-performance team dynamics and communication, systems of care, recognition and intervention of cardiopulmonary arrest, immediate post-cardiac arrest, acute dysrhythmia, stroke, and acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

After successfully completing the ACLS course, students should be able to:

• Apply the BLS, Primary, and Secondary Assessments sequence for a systematic evaluation of adult patients

• Perform prompt, high-quality BLS, including prioritizing early chest compressions and integrating early automated external defibrillator (AED) use

• Recognize and perform early management of respiratory arrest

• Discuss early recognition and management of ACS and stroke, including appropriate disposition

• Recognize and perform early management of bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias that may result in cardiac arrest or complicate resuscitation outcome

• Recognize and perform early management of cardiac arrest until termination of resuscitation or transfer of care, including immediate post-cardiac-arrest care

• Model effective communication as a member or leader of a high-performance team

• Evaluate resuscitative efforts during a cardiac arrest through continuous assessment of CPR quality, monitoring the patient’s physiologic response, and delivering real-time feedback to the team

• Recognize the impact of team dynamics on overall team performance

• Discuss how the use of a rapid response team or medical emergency team may improve patient outcomes

• Define systems of care.